Latest news with #SueñosMusicFestival
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
For rising corrido star Óscar Maydon, humility is key
Backstage at the Sueños Music Festival in Chicago, a soothing corrido ballad cut through the airwaves, but it was hard to make out the source. Seconds later, Óscar Maydon emerged with his entourage, blasting his new song 'Asquerosamente Rico' through a big Bluetooth speaker. Music is everything for the rising Mexican singer, whom I met just before his festival set. As I set foot in his trailer, I was immediately welcomed by the crisp sounds of brass and accordion warm-ups... as well as a fresh whiff of ganja aire. But Maydon stressed that he never takes a hit before getting on stage. 'It rasps my vocals,' he said, as he parts his lips for a series of trills to warm up his voice. 'I want to give it my all, that's all I'm thinking about.' The pressure was certainly on for Maydon, 25, who helped rev up the crowd for the evening's headlining acts: Peso Pluma and Shakira. While huddled in the trailer with his band, the 25-year-old listened closely for flat notes, rhythmic mishaps, conducting the group like an orchestra leader before his big showcase. Most of his musicians are longtime friends, 'humble folk,' he said, from his birthplace of Mexicali and hometown of San Felipe in Baja California, Mexico. This performance marked a milestone in Maydon's career; it was his first time in Chicago, as well as his first performance at a major U.S. music festival. Onstage, he shared news of the forthcoming release of his third studio album, 'Rico o Muerto,' on June 6. 'The title says it all: to become rich or die trying,' said Maydon in a separate interview, the week before his performance. Although the album won't be a procession of brags about his material luxuries; he told me it focused on matters of the heart. Like many of his contemporaries — like Fuerza Regida, Natanael Cano, Tito Double P — he is living up to the ambitious album title, donning an all-white outfit accessorized with diamond-encrusted jewelry, including a pendant with his initials, 'OM.' But despite his flashy wardrobe, Maydon emanates humility, often showing deep gratitude for his staff and his fans. 'Life has taken us to various places that we've never thought were possible,' he said. 'But there's still those 'wow' moments.' Maydon bought his first guitar in 2016, with money he won after scoring gold medals in rowing competitions. During the pandemic, he casually uploaded cover songs to Instagram, garnering local fame and the courage to create his own music. And, as a way to make a few bucks, he'd also craft handwritten corridos for paying individuals — a move resembling that of Chalino Sanchez, the godfather of corridos, who also sold custom-made songs. 'There has to be a way to make money,' Maydon would tell himself. 'The need [to make money] made me think, 'Well, what do I know how to do?' ' His original 2020 song, 'De La Nació,' a classic corrido tune that underlined his grind as a hard worker, caught the attention of Jimmy Humilde, CEO and founder of the regional Mexican record label Rancho Humilde. By 2022, Maydon released his debut album, 'GXLE <3,' on the label. But his ascent to the charts would come a year later with the release of the single 'Fin de Semana,' alongside the Guanajuato, Mexico, star Junior H. The accordion heavy song about a weekend outing with your lover, debuted as No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100, a first for the two Mexican singers. 'I look at myself and I'm like, look at everything that's happened since that song, you know?' said Maydon. 'It's kind of beautiful.' It's been a busy year for Maydon, hallmarked by various hit singles — including his song 'Madonna' with Natanael Cano, a romantic ballad powered by passion, which topped the Mexican Billboard chart for 11 weeks. He opened his Sueños set with 'Madonna,' then his latest hit, 'Amigos? No' featuring Neton Vega, which rejects the idea of a platonic friendship with a woman he ardently loves. He also gave the public a preview of another song from his upcoming LP, 'Asquerosamente Rico,' which features Peso Pluma. As the set neared the end, Maydon finished off with 'Tu Boda,' which was released late last year in collaboration with Fuerza Regida. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 22, remaining on the chart for 20 weeks. The heartache song, co-written with his manager, Chachito, is highlighted by a catchy arpeggio — though its vengeful lyrics have drawn criticism from some listeners, who claim it promotes violence against women. 'All of this is happening in the back of his mind, that's why the music video, which shows a wedding scene, is full of mannequins,' explained Maydon of the song. It's generally a difficult time to be a corrido singer, often pressed by the public to justify the minute details of their art. To date, 10 of the 32 Mexican states have banned public performances of the genre altogether for what authorities describe as a 'glorification' of drugs and violence. The fight against censorship is even more dire for up-and-coming acts like Maydon and his peers, who are treated like criminals under these laws. Besides, 'Tu Boda' was evidently a hit among the Sueños crowd, who sang along to its melodramatic lyrics. Maydon will continue to test his song among more audiences in the States when he embarks on his first headlining U.S. tour, which kicks off this summer in Salt Lake City on July 25 and concludes on Oct. 11 in Inglewood. 'A composer is a poet, no?' said Maydon, and for many in the crowd, that seems to be the case, as they use the lyrics of 'Tu Boda' to vent their toxic thoughts. 'It's just poetry,' he added, hoping to counter the misconceptions behind the song. 'More than anything, it's about killing the sentiments I feel for that person.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Woman accused of using ICE to avoid drug case is detained
Good afternoon, Chicago. A judge ordered a British woman to remain jailed today after she was accused of trying to get herself deported to evade trial, finding too much risk that her release would result in her fleeing home or being sent there by immigration authorities. Kimberly Hall, 29, is facing felony charges of drug trafficking and possession with intent to deliver after she was arrested Aug. 19 at O'Hare International Airport with nearly 100 pounds of cocaine. She was initially released on electronic monitoring while her case was pending. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History This past Memorial Day weekend saw an overall decrease in gun violence compared to last year, according to Chicago police data. Read more here. More top news stories: Lawmakers consider fixes to energy policy that's been outpaced by power-hungry technology Indiana University closes DEI offices and ends programs on all campuses Photos: Memorial Day weekend in Chicagoland It's the last day to book a flight on Southwest Airlines without being hit with a fee to check bags after the airline abandoned a decades-long luggage policy that executives once described as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals. Read more here. More top business stories: Skokie's LanzaTech to lay off 44 and downsize, despite honors for innovation Trump indicates support for Nippon Steel's bid for U.S. Steel Adrian Houser made 23 appearances last season with the New York Mets. Yesterday, he was on the mound for the White Sox facing his former team at Citi Field. Read more here. More top sports stories: Caitlin Clark out at least 2 weeks with quad strain — so Indiana Fever star will miss UC game vs. Chicago Sky Napoli or Roma: Which Italian soccer club does Pope Leo XIV support? My Pi, the pizzeria founded on deep dish in Chicago, which once had 17 restaurants across the country, will close its last shop after 54 years next month. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: Tinley Park and the Park District pair up after spat on Fourth of July fireworks Photos: Sueños Music Festival 2025 A 53-year-old British man who injured 65 people when he plowed his vehicle into a crowd of Liverpool soccer fans celebrating their team's Premier League championship has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police said today. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: Trump administration moves to cut $100 million in federal contracts for Harvard Mary Lou Retton, US gymnastics icon who survived health scare, arrested on suspicion of DUI
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Woman accused of using ICE to avoid drug case is detained
Good afternoon, Chicago. A judge ordered a British woman to remain jailed today after she was accused of trying to get herself deported to evade trial, finding too much risk that her release would result in her fleeing home or being sent there by immigration authorities. Kimberly Hall, 29, is facing felony charges of drug trafficking and possession with intent to deliver after she was arrested Aug. 19 at O'Hare International Airport with nearly 100 pounds of cocaine. She was initially released on electronic monitoring while her case was pending. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History This past Memorial Day weekend saw an overall decrease in gun violence compared to last year, according to Chicago police data. Read more here. More top news stories: Lawmakers consider fixes to energy policy that's been outpaced by power-hungry technology Indiana University closes DEI offices and ends programs on all campuses Photos: Memorial Day weekend in Chicagoland It's the last day to book a flight on Southwest Airlines without being hit with a fee to check bags after the airline abandoned a decades-long luggage policy that executives once described as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals. Read more here. More top business stories: Skokie's LanzaTech to lay off 44 and downsize, despite honors for innovation Trump indicates support for Nippon Steel's bid for U.S. Steel Adrian Houser made 23 appearances last season with the New York Mets. Yesterday, he was on the mound for the White Sox facing his former team at Citi Field. Read more here. More top sports stories: Caitlin Clark out at least 2 weeks with quad strain — so Indiana Fever star will miss UC game vs. Chicago Sky Napoli or Roma: Which Italian soccer club does Pope Leo XIV support? My Pi, the pizzeria founded on deep dish in Chicago, which once had 17 restaurants across the country, will close its last shop after 54 years next month. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: Tinley Park and the Park District pair up after spat on Fourth of July fireworks Photos: Sueños Music Festival 2025 A 53-year-old British man who injured 65 people when he plowed his vehicle into a crowd of Liverpool soccer fans celebrating their team's Premier League championship has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police said today. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: Trump administration moves to cut $100 million in federal contracts for Harvard Mary Lou Retton, US gymnastics icon who survived health scare, arrested on suspicion of DUI
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Don Omar Wraps Sueños Festival With Crowd-Pleasing Set
Drawing in a massive crowd on day two of Sueños Music Festival, Don Omar cemented his icon status delivering a jam-packed setlist to wrap the fourth edition of the event in Chicago's Grant Park. On Sunday, the reggaetón powerhouse came out on stage just a few minutes before his 9 p.m. start time, eager to sing to the crowd — significantly larger than yesterday's — that had gathered to see him perform. Don Omar did not disappoint and he knew exactly which songs would get his fans going. More from Billboard Shakira Brings Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour to Chicago's Sueños Festival: 'I'm In Love With This City' Demi Lovato Marries Jordan 'Jutes' Lutes in California Wearing Vivienne Westwood Wedding Gown Billy Ray Cyrus & Elizabeth Hurley Make Red Carpet Debut as a Couple From 'Dale Don' to 'Hasta Abajo' and 'Dile,' the Puerto rican hitmaker started with a bang. 'Latinos make some noise,' he said at the top of his one-hour set. He was a man of a few words, letting the music speak for itself. 'Are we having fun?' he asked at one point. It's safe to say the crowd was indeed having fun with groups of friends perreando and singing along with the self-proclaimed King of Kings. He went on to sing 'Pobre Diabla,' Hector y Tito's 'Morena,' 'Salió El Sol,' 'Se Menea,' 'Taboo,' 'Danza Kuduro' and 'Bandoleros.' But a highlight of the night was when he sang 'Ella y Yo,' his 2005 hit duet with Romeo Santos. 'You guys know this song, right?' he asked, almost rhetorically. One of the most memorable collaborations of the 21st century, Santos and Don Omar engage in a call-and-response of sorts to tell a story of lust, infidelity and betrayal in 'Ella y Yo.' Don Omar asked the Sueños crowd to play the part of Santos and they promptly followed his orders, making for an epic duet between Don Omar and his fans. Don Omar most recently wrapped his Back to Reggaetón World Tour, which marked his grand return to the stage in celebration of his decades-spanning career. Day two of Sueños Music Festival also included riveting performances by Kapo, Bellakath, Omar Courtz, Jhayco, Tito Double P, Grupo Frontera and Wisin. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Daywatch: The improbable homecoming of WWII Army Pvt. James Loyd
Good morning, Chicago. A little before 9 on a warm Thursday morning in mid-May, Doug Morgan climbed into the seat of an excavator and positioned the teeth of the bucket just above the centerline of an empty grave. He is 55, with a white beard and a face worn by working in the sun, and he long ago came to view digging graves at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery as 'taking care of my fellow veterans.' Morgan joined the Marines as a teenager and served in Desert Storm. He has worked at Abraham Lincoln for 21 years, helping to fill the gentle green hills in rural Will County with the symmetrical gray-white headstones of American military veterans and their closest family. Some served in peacetime. Some died long after coming home from war. On a busy day, Morgan and his team might dig 15 graves, many of them now for those who served in Vietnam. It was rare that Morgan and his men knew much about those whose graves they prepared. This was an exception. As Morgan made the first cut into the grass, he knew exactly who it was for. For days, it had been the talk of the cemetery: that a soldier who'd been missing since 1944 had been found. That a World War II veteran, confirmed to have been killed in action, was coming to rest. Read the full story by the Tribune's Andrew Carter. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including: a gathering to mark the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder, why Chicago police lawsuit payouts are hitting a record amount and what happened at this weekend's Sueños Music Festival. Today's eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Illinois lawmakers head into the final days of their spring session this week looking for ways to close a substantial gap in the budget while at the same time shoring up ailing public transit operations and taking steps to fix inequities in the state's pension system. On the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, an event that prompted a national reckoning over race and police brutality, a gathering in Chicago joined coordinated protests across the country yesterday against President Donald Trump's rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion — particularly his signing of an executive order aimed at strengthening state and local law enforcement. Chicago's spending on police misconduct settlements and other police lawsuits is soaring this year, and the steep price for taxpayers could rise hundreds of millions more. Mayor Brandon Johnson sat onstage at a cavernous Woodlawn church and shot back at the criticism that he only cares about hiring Black people with his most forceful defense yet of the representation among his top appointees. Addressing a Black audience last week, he quoted the Rev. Jesse Jackson: 'Our people hire our people.' Then one by one, he shouted out six of his Black deputies and a Black-owned business recently awarded an airport contract. Pope Leo XIV's election as the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church elevated him to the extremely rare, and legally thorny, position of being an American citizen who now is also a foreign head of state. Can the Chicago-born pope remain a U.S. citizen while leading a foreign government? Pope Leo XIV prays for Chinese Catholics to be in communion with Rome in first comments on thorny issues Pope Leo XIV declares 'I am Roman!' as he completes formalities to become bishop of Rome Last month, in an attempt to revive the nation's dwindling coal industry, President Donald Trump threw a lifeline to a few dozen energy companies, encouraging them to apply for exemptions from the latest federal limits on soot, mercury and other toxic air pollution. Many Chicago residents in the last decade have flocked to high-amenity apartment complexes, drawn by the convenience and built-in community they offer. The demand for spaces to live, work, exercise and play, often alongside other residents, has become a driving factor for new building developers. The Cubs have denied a report by their flagship radio station that the team has been awarded the 2027 All-Star Game, but never mind that small detail. No one believes them, so let's start getting excited before it is made official. But first, a brief history lesson from Paul Sullivan is in order. Cubs catcher Reese McGuire slugs 2 home runs to fuel comeback win: 3 series takeaways Catcher Miguel Amaya headed to the IL after suffering a left oblique strain in Cubs' 6-4 loss On May 25, 1950, Walter Skonicki sat down on his couch to perform his evening ritual of listening to the radio or perusing the newspapers. 'What the heck!' he exclaimed upon hearing an explosion and feeling a blast of air coming through his living room window at 6242 S. State St. Looking out, he got a preview of the Tribune's front-page headline the next morning: 'TRUCK-TROLLEY FIRE! 33 DIE.' The scene at Soldier Field on Saturday was at once familiar and silly — and altogether brilliant, especially in its distillation of AC/DC's inimitable blend of harmless mischief, megawatt power, combustible energy and laser-focused attack. In the heart of Chicago's Grant Park, the Sueños Music Festival celebrated Latinos over Memorial Day weekend. Thousands flocked to downtown Chicago for the fourth edition of the festival that has brought world-renowned names of the Latin music scene to the Windy City and uplifted the culture and identity of many. Food Network's latest high-stakes cooking competition series brought together 24 chefs from across the country to battle it out over a grueling 24-hour period, aptly named '24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.' And the last chef standing for its second season is Chicago's Jonathon Sawyer, chef partner of the Loop's Kindling.
